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About the Friends of the Wright Opera House

Board of Directors

All volunteers

Nancy Nixon, Chair

April Orgren, Treasurer

Josh Gowans, Secretary

Steve Gallion

Mick Graff

Ellen Lockhart

Larry Meckel

Mark Orgren

DeGrey Phillips

Dee Williams

Recognizing the potential to preserve and restore arts and culture in Ouray County by purchasing the historic Wright Opera House, a group of volunteers came together in 2007 and formed the non-profit organization 'Friends of the Wright Opera House'. The vision that followed was nothing short of promoting artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for all by providing a centralized venue for performing arts organizations and by restoring the facility for another century of use.

In 2011, the Friends completed the acquisition of the Wright Opera House thanks to the generosity of the local community and the various foundations that came together and recognized the historical significance of the facility. During this time, the Friends brought new programming and events to Ouray County as an all volunteer board. At the same time, the Friends have worked diligently to define a restoration plan for the Wright Opera House, working with both the Colorado State Historical Society as well as local stakeholders to ensure that the Wright reclaims its place as a premier entertainment venue.

For decades, the Wright Opera House has provided high quality entertainment and culture. With the Friends at the helm and with the continued support from the community, the Wright will exist for many decades to come as a crowning jewel for the City and County of Ouray, providing arts, entertainment and culture for all.

Mission Statement

The Friends of the Wright Opera House are dedicated to restoring and preserving the 1888 historic Wright Opera House, providing a venue for quality arts, education, and social events, thus contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of the Ouray area.

The Friends of the Wright Opera House is registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing. Our federal EIN is 26-2039839.

We're working hard to make the Wright Opera House an open and welcoming venue to organizations throughout Colorado. We're also trying to restore a facility that is over 126 years old. Needless to say, we have our work cut out for us! If you have some praise for what we've done already or some feedback on what we could do better, please
contact us via email.